Editor's Note: This article is produced in collaboration with the Chongqing Institute of Foreign Studies as part of a series of ongoing reports exploring the city’s abundant resources in intangible cultural heritage.

In the softly glowing lantern light of Yunyang County’s old alleys in Chongqing, the Gaoyang Bench Dragon comes alive in a brand-new form. More than a symbol of the local people’s hopes for a better life, it stands as a vivid testament to the enduring inheritance and creative renewal of China’s traditional culture.

The Bench Dragon, also known as the “Plum Bamboo Lantern”. It is said that it originated in the Han Dynasty, evolving from a folk activity called “the dragon dance to pray for rain.” Weaving through the narrow lanes and alleys of the old town, the Gaoyang Bench Dragon dancers unfold a series of spectacular movements with their long benches—from the “Dragon’s Entrance” to “Weaving Through Flowers” and the “Coiling Dragon.” Their figures flicker in and out of view beneath the dim yellow lamplight. The performance is accompanied by lively folk music—rooted in Sichuan Opera’s classic melody“Twining Branches Lotus”(Chuan Zhi Lian)and blended with elements of local Yangko dance—evoking the simple, heartfelt charm of a bygone era.

To preserve and carry forward the Gaoyang Bench Dragon — an item of intangible cultural heritage — Master Tang Mingyi began reflecting on how to pass on this art after his retirement in 1991. Later, he started offering classes in the community, enrolling primary school students as apprentices to teach them the crafts of weaving, framing, and dancing the dragon. In 2014, the Gaoyang Bench Dragon was included in a representative item in the “Traditional Dance” category of Chongqing’s fourth batch of Intangible Cultural Heritage items. After more than a decade of dedicated efforts and under his attentive guidance, a growing number of children have come to love this traditional art. They now perform it not only during festivals but also at school cultural performances, where they showcase their skills with pride.

When the Lantern Festival arrives dusk settles, the old street transforms into a bustling stage as dusk settles. Seated around on benches, the audience is immersed in a visual feast. Their applause and cheers are not just for the dancers’ skill but a tribute to the cultural heritage itself.

Today, the Gaoyang Bench Dragon has become a cultural icon of Yunyang County. People flock in from all corners just to witness the charm of the Gaoyang Bench Dragon. It not only enriches people's cultural lives but also serves as a vital link between the past and the future. Through watching and learning about it, the younger generation can truly sense the allure and timeless value of traditional culture.

Chinese script: Huang Daoke, Zhuo Xiaoyi

Tutored by: Mao Fengling

Translation: Long Xinyu

Tutored by: Wei Jingjun, Jiang Jun